Documents indicating end-of-life choices are commonly referred to as?

Documents that represent an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions at the end of life are referred to as a Living Will and Advanced Directives. These documents serve a critical function by ensuring that an individual's health care choices are respected even if they become unable to communicate those choices themselves.

A Living Will specifically outlines the types of medical treatment an individual wishes to receive or not receive in the event of terminal illness or incapacity. Advanced Directives extend beyond just the Living Will by allowing individuals to appoint a proxy to make healthcare decisions on their behalf, ensuring their wishes are honored in situations where they cannot express them.

These documents are essential components of end-of-life planning, and they play a key role in assisted living facilities where residents may face complex health decisions. By having these documents in place, it helps alleviate the burden on family members and healthcare providers during difficult times, ensuring that care aligns with the individual’s values and preferences.

This understanding highlights the importance of educated decision-making in assisted living administration, emphasizing the need for administrators to be knowledgeable about such legal documents and their significance in the care provided to residents.